The Bull Run at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton celebrates 25 years of exceptional steaks, elegant dining, and enduring Sandton success.

• Celebrating a quarter-century, The Bull Run continues to set the benchmark for dining and succulent steaks in Sandton’s financial heart.
• From its 2000 launch to today, The Bull Run has thrived through market shifts and evolving culinary trends.
• The larger-than-life raging bull sculpture by Michael Canadas cements The Bull Run’s place as a landmark in Sandton’s vibrant financial district.
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This year, The Bull Run at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton proudly marks its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of serving top-quality steaks, memorable dining experiences, and welcoming travellers from across the globe. Since opening its doors on 28 October 2000, the restaurant has become a cornerstone of Sandton’s financial district, offering a dependable haven for intrepid business-people seeking excellent cuisine in a bustling cityscape.

The dawn of the new millennium set the perfect stage for The Bull Run. With the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) freshly relocated to Sandton, a growing cadre of deal-makers sought a reliable destination for world-class meat. The restaurant was conceived with a simple yet enduring vision: to consistently provide exceptional, affordable cuisine accompanied by impeccable service. Patrons from any corner of the globe are greeted with warmth, ensuring a return on their culinary investment from the very first bite. Its name, a nod to bullish financial markets, aptly reflects the restaurant’s commitment to growth, excellence, and timeless appeal.

The Bull Run’s legacy has evolved alongside the city itself. In July 2018, it reopened after an extensive R20-million refurbishment, led by award-winning interior designer Tristan Du Plessis of Studio A. The transformation delivered a space that is at once warm, inviting, and striking, with playful references to the New York Stock Exchange and the classic grill house. Custom light fittings, plush seating, and handmade wall tiles now enrich the dining experience, while a private wine cellar and bookable dining room cater to connoisseurs and intimate gatherings alike. The Bull Run Sandton seamlessly integrates into Africa’s very own Wall Street, enhancing its appeal for both locals and international visitors.

The anniversary sees the restaurant proudly highlight its celebrated steaks while unveiling a selection of new menu additions. For instance, diners can savour 18 succulent Argentinian prawns, grilled and glazed in zesty lemon butter, or indulge in the bold flavours of Bull Run Nachos, topped with chicken or ground beef, truffle nacho cheese, olives, scallions, jalapeños, lime crema, and fresh Pico de Gallo. Beef croquettes, filled with tender braised brisket and paired with truffle aioli and chive oil, complement charred corn ribs brushed with smoked paprika butter and lime crema.

For those seeking lighter options, the roasted strawberry salad marries sweet strawberries with whipped feta, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, honey, olive oil, and fresh mint. Steak enthusiasts have a selection of dry-aged côte de boeuf perfect for two, Wagyu sirloin, or a 700g Chateaubriand, grilled to perfection and carved to share. The menu also offers roast duck breast with cherry-port reduction, fondant potato, and baby spinach, while desserts such as Merlot-poached pears with mascarpone whip and mixed berry coulis, and Triple Sec crème brûlée deliver an indulgent finale.

The Bull Run experience extends beyond its plates. A striking three-metre by two-metre sculpture of a raging bull, created by sculptor Michael Canadas of White River’s The Loop Art Foundry, stands proudly as a symbol of the restaurant’s energy and Sandton’s financial vigour. Positioned across the road from the JSE, the piece captures the dynamism of the city and has become a landmark for locals and visitors alike.

For loyal patrons who wish to take a piece of The Bull Run home, the restaurant has launched a line of merchandise. The Bull Run puffer jacket, retailing at R750, offers comfort, style, and practicality with a full zip, chin protector, welt pockets, and a curved back hem. The Bull Run peak cap, priced at R179, combines durability and comfort in a 100% brushed cotton design, ideal for adding a stylish statement to any wardrobe.

Over 25 years, The Bull Run has weathered global market shifts, economic downturns, and the occasional exuberant guest, all while maintaining its reputation for outstanding cuisine and hospitality. Its commitment to quality, consistency, and experience has cemented its status as a cornerstone of Sandton’s dining landscape.

Looking forward, The Bull Run shows no signs of slowing down. With a combination of timeless classics, innovative new dishes, world-class interiors, and bold artistic statements, it continues to offer an unparalleled experience for steak lovers and gastronomes alike. Patrons can celebrate its 25-year milestone with exquisite flavours, elegant surroundings, and a tangible sense of history and achievement, all at the heart of Johannesburg’s most dynamic precinct.

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